FFB Review: Dying Voices: The Carl Burns Mystery Series by Bill Crider

It has been slightly more than  five years to the day since this review first appeared here for Friday’s Forgotten books hosted by Patti Abbott. Long out of print, it is available thanks to eBooks. Like all the other books by Bill Crider, this one is a good one.

Professor Carl Burns starts the fall semester at Hartley Norman College preparing again to teach the sophomore level course on American Lit.  While he has a few jitters regarding the start of the new semester he is very much dreading the upcoming Edward Street Seminar as their most famous alumni, Edward Street, returns to the small campus. The idea of a seminar celebrating the work of Edward Street had been hatched by the new university president Franklin Miller as a way of raising money for the small college in Pecan City, Texas. Then he got the idea of putting Burns in charge of organizing it. Burns knows it has to go right.

Years ago Edward Street had been an arrogant young professor. Then he hit literary fame as his book of poetry, Dying Voices, took off. That success led to yet more success with his novel, We All Die Today!  Street became a millionaire and never returned to teaching. It quickly becomes clear when he arrives back in town that his success has not changed his basic character. If anything, his success has made him more difficult to deal with and he now plans to settle old scores. He isn't the only one looking to settle up because Burns soon finds Street very much dead in his hotel room.

What follows is highly entertaining story of academic politics, crime, murder and a hint of romance as Burns works to solve this case and other issues. A comfortable cozy mystery story that, while different from the sheriff Dan Rhodes series, features a main character with some of the same attitudes and habits. Like Rhodes, Burns ask questions over and over again of the various people involved and gradually catches them in lies that eventually reveal their true nature. Like the early Rhodes books, Burns has a romantic interest that he courts like a traditional gentleman. And like in the Rhodes series, Carl Burns quickly becomes a character readers relate to and feel is an old friend.

Dying Voices, recently made available as an e-book is the second in the Carl Burns series One Dead Dean. That novel is referenced some in this book though not to the level to ruin that read.

Dying Voices: The Carl Burns Mystery Series

Bill Crider

http://www.billcrider.com

Crossroad Press

http://store.crossroadpress.com/

December 2012

ASIN: B00ATHPIGA

eBook (estimated print length 196 pages)

$3.99

Material was purchased via a gift card for my use in an objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2013, 2018

New issue of Crime Review

We feature new 20 reviews in each issue of Crime Review (
www.crimereview.co.uk), together with a top industry interview. This time
it’s Stuart MacBride in the Countdown hot seat

We’re on Twitter at:
Crime Review: @CrimeReviewUK
Linda Wilson: @CrimeReviewer
Sharon Wheeler: @lartonmedia

This week’s reviews are:

THE SMILING MAN by Joseph Knox, reviewed by Chris Roberts
DC Aidan Waits is still in disgrace and on permanent night duty when his
discovery of a body in a moribund hotel gives him a real case to
investigate.

UNDERTOW by Anthony J Quinn, reviewed by John Cleal
An Irish detective’s suicide leads PSNI Inspector Celcius Daly across the
border into a labyrinth of lies, corruption and murderous violence.

TEN YEAR STRETCH: CELEBRATING A DECADE OF CRIME FICTION AT CRIMEFEST edited
by Martin Edwards and Adrian Muller, reviewed by Linda Wilson
An anthology of short stories celebrating the tenth anniversary of
CrimeFest, Bristol’s crime fiction convention.

AN ECHO OF MURDER by Anne Perry, reviewed by Sylvia Maughan
A Hungarian man living and working near the Thames, is found brutally
murdered. Commander Monk is on the trail of the culprit.

MAIGRET AND THE MINISTER by Georges Simenon, reviewed by Arnold Taylor
A telephone call from the Minister for Public Works heralds a case of
unusual complexity for Maigret.

FEAR by Dirk Kurbjuweit, reviewed by Chris Roberts
The shocking allegations of a creepy neighbour are profoundly unsettling to
Randolf and his wife Rebecca, and when the state cannot help the options
are limited.

THE TRUTH AND LIES OF ELLA BLACK by Emily Barr, reviewed by Linda Wilson
Ella Black’s life is turned upside down when her parents whisk her away
from school with no warning and take a flight to Rio de Janeiro. She’s
always had a secret to keep, but that has now got an awful lot harder.

DAMNATION by Peter Beck, reviewed by John Cleal
Former Swiss police special ops detective Tom Winter faces an international
plot to dominate the world’s financial markets and opponents who will stop
at nothing to achieve their goal.

BLOOD TIDE by Claire McGowan, reviewed by John Barnbrook
Paula Maguire is a forensic psychologist. She is sent to investigate the
disappearance of a young couple on the isolated Bone Island. When she
arrives she quickly discovers that the locals do not welcome investigation
from outsiders

WHITE BODIES by Jane Robins, reviewed by Kati Barr-Taylor
Callie’s sister needs saving from her toxic husband. And there is only one
way …

LAST WILL by William McIntyre, reviewed by Chris Roberts
Robbie Munro is fighting a custody battle over his daughter Tina, but finds
himself under severe time pressure seeking a defence for a man accused of
murder.

THE BROTHER by Joakim Zander, reviewed by John Cleal
Yasmine broke her promise to protect her little brother, but when she
realises he is still alive, she is determined to make amends.

DAY OF THE DEAD by Mark Roberts, reviewed by Kati Barr-Taylor
DCI Eve Clay is on the hunt for a serial killer – the killer that most of
the country reveres.

THE MASTER KEY by Masako Togawa, reviewed by Chris Roberts
In post-war Tokyo, the K Apartments for single women accommodates aging
residents, many with secrets and some with sinister or bizarre patterns of
behaviour.

DON’T WAKE UP by Liz Lawler, reviewed by Linda Wilson
A&E doctor Alex Taylor knows she’s been subjected to a horrific attack. The
problem is that no one else believes her.

THE WRONG CHILD by Barry Gornell, reviewed by John Cleal
Twenty-one of 22 children in an isolated village die in a disaster. Dog
Evans is the only survivor. Abandoned by his parents and shunned by those
left behind for whom he is a daily reminder of loss, the situation
inevitably builds toward violence.

THE BLIND by AF Brady, reviewed by Kati Barr-Taylor
Sam James was warned about how dangerous and unhinged her latest patient
is. But to Sam, Richard seems perfectly sane.

THE HOLYWELL DEAD by Chris Nickson, reviewed by John Cleal
When a secretive parish priest is murdered against a background of the
return of the plague, the coroner presses John the Carpenter into service
yet again to discover why.

CAUSE OF DEATH by Peter Ritchie, reviewed by Linda Wilson
DCI Grace Macallan and the newly formed Lothian and Borders Major Crime
Team must track down whoever is brutally attacking and now killing
prostitutes.

MARIA IN THE MOON by Louise Beech, reviewed by Ewa Sherman
Catherine has a great memory, but she cannot remember what happened when
she was nine years old.  She feels desperate to unlock her past to
understand herself and those around her.

Best wishes

Sharon
www.crimereview.co.uk

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Flat Broke with Two Goats: a Memoir by Jennifer Mc...

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Flat Broke with Two Goats: a Memoir by Jennifer Mc...: Reviewed by Kristin Jennifer McGaha has deep roots in Appalachia, but her upbringing in an upper middle class household remove...

Mystery Fanfare: ANTHONY AWARD NOMINATIONS: BOUCHERCON

Mystery Fanfare: ANTHONY AWARD NOMINATIONS: BOUCHERCON: ANTHONY AWARD NOMINATIONS  The Anthony Awards are given at each annual Bouchercon World Mystery Convention with the winners selected...

Only days left to win books by Kathi Daley, Paige Shelton, Elaine Viets and many more from KRL

Only days left to win a copy of "The Mother's Day Mishap" by Kathi Daley,
along with some fun ideas for Mother's Day gifts from Kathleen Costa
http://kingsriverlife.com/05/05/the-mothers-day-mishap-by-kathi-daley/

And to win a copy of the first in a brand new food mystery series,
"Expiration Date" by Devon Delaney, and while there check out a fun guest
post by Devon about competition cooking
http://kingsriverlife.com/05/05/expiration-date-by-devon-delaney/

Also to win a copy of "Deal with the Devil" a mystery anthology by Elaine
Viets http://kingsriverlife.com/05/05/deal-with-the-devil-by-elaine-viets/

And to win copies of 5 mysteries set in the UK-"London Calling": A
Mirabella Bevan Mystery by Sara Sheridan, "In Prior’s Wood": Max Tudor
series by GM Malliet, "The Marmalade Murders": Penny Brannigan series
by Elizabeth
Duncan, "The Golden Hour": A Nora Tierney English Mystery by M. K. Graff,
and "Lost Books and Old Bones": A Scottish Bookshop Mystery by Paige Shelton
http://kingsriverlife.com/05/05/five-mysteries-take-you-to-the-uk/

Also to win a copy of "Cinco de Murder" by Rebecca Adler
http://kingsriverlife.com/05/05/cinco-de-murder-by-rebecca-adler/

And on KRL News & Reviews to win a copy of "Necessary Ends" by Tina Whittle
http://www.krlnews.com/2018/05/necessary-ends-by-tina-whittle.html

Happy contests!
Lorie

DOROTHYL Official Homepage http://kovacs.com/dorothyl/
DOROTHYL Store http://www.cafeshops.com/dorothyl

Busy

A lot of things have unexpectedly come up in the last 18 hours or so and that means things are busy. My brother and I are handling what we can and relying on others to fix stuff. Will be here when I can and will catch up on emails when I can. It will not be much of today.

Crime Watch: Review: THE COLD DISH

Crime Watch: Review: THE COLD DISH: THE COLD DISH by Craig Johnson (Penguin, 2004) Reviewed by Craig Sisterson Walt Longmire, sheriff of Wyoming's Absaroka County, kn...

Smashwords: Smashwords Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

Smashwords: Smashwords Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary: This past Sunday marked ten years since the public launch of Smashwords on May 6, 2008. Wow, what a difference ten years makes. Ten ye...

Guest Post: Jeanne and Treadmill Books: Comic Sans Murder: A Dangerous Type Mystery by Paige Shelton

Back two weeks ago for that final Wednesday in April, Jeanne reviewed No Charm Intended by Mollie Cox Bryan. Very glad to have her back today.

Treadmill Books:  Comic Sans Murder: A Dangerous Type Mystery by Paige Shelton

Star City, Utah is known for its excellent skiing, beautiful scenery, and quaint shops.  Unfortunately, it may become known for something much more notorious when a lone ski boot is found with the owner’s foot still inside.  Even worse, it appears the appendage belongs to a former resident, Lloyd Gavin, a nerd made good, who had a long standing crush on Clare Henry, aka Our Heroine.  Clare is a steady, clever girl who loves working at The Rescued Word, her family’s print shop where they do custom printing, repair typewriters, and sell stationery. The plot thickens when it turns out that Lloyd has left some very expensive, very rare typing machines for Clare, and that Lloyd was in town for some sort of private class reunion. Did Clare’s class include a murderer? Or did Lloyd run afoul of his business associates in his climb to the top?

Although this was the third in the series, it was the first one I’d read.  Shelton drew me in from the first, with the discovery of the severed foot, and then with interesting characters. Clare, of course; but also Nathan, the famous horror author who is visiting the area;  Chester, Clare’s grandfather and owner of The Rescued Word; and other invitees to the reunion. There’s enough backstory to give a sense of what has gone before, but it doesn’t bog the current story down. I also liked that the police are shown as competent and, even though Claire’s best friend Jodie is an investigating officer, they refrain from spilling all the beans to a civilian.  There’s a complicated relationship between Jodie’s brother Creighton and Clare, who were once a couple but who have gone their separate ways.  It added texture to the story without the more usual second-guessing and angst: this was a breakup that needed to happen, there is zero chance they’ll get back together, but the relationship’s end wasn’t sweetness and light.

I’m also a sucker for books that give me information along with a mystery, and I enjoyed the pieces of type and font lore.  Back in the day when I answered some online questions for funsies, there were a surprising (to me, anyway!) number of queries about the typeface used in various books. The Hoovens in this one were a bonus, since I’d never heard of these early electric typing machines before and was interested to learn about them. Who’d have thought there was an electric typewriter back in the 1920s?

And yes, there was a kitty:  Baskerville.  The covers show a calico, which would make him a rarity as calicos are usually female, but it is possible.  He doesn’t figure greatly in the story but does warm up to Nathan.

I’ll admit I thought the ending was a bit weak.  I didn’t quite buy into the explanation but it was an enjoyable ride with people I liked.  I’ll be picking up the first two in the series for a return visit, since I don’t see a fourth as coming out soon.

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Slade House by David Mitchell

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Slade House by David Mitchell: Reviewed by Christy H.             The small black door in the wall is hard to find. It’s only visible to certain people on a certain ...

In Reference To Murder: Media Murder for Monday for 5/7/18

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Monday Markets and Jobs for Writers for 5/7/18

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Things are Okay

In view of a couple of emails I have gotten, please know that things are okay. My brother is in town so I am spending a considerable amount of time with him and am away from the blog and other things. We also had to go to Probate Court Two of Dallas County this morning and have the hearing about our Mom's will. It was stressful and upsetting, but the judge and her staff were wonderful with us. Such an excursion does a number on me so that is why I wasn't online much of today.

He is here for the week and we have things to accomplish so my presence here will continue to be a bit erratic in the short term. A lack of posts and/or a lack of activity on FB and elsewhere, does not mean--at least right now--that I am wallowing in grief. It just means we are spending time together and trying to handle some things that have been delayed a very long time with everything here.

Aubrey Hamilton Reviews: Darkness, Sing Me A Song by David Housewright

After a long absence, Holland Taylor, ex-cop and now private investigator in St. Paul, Minnesota, returns in Darkness, Sing Me A Song by David Housewright (Minotaur, 2018). This is the fourth book featuring Taylor; the first, Penance, won the 1996 Edgar for Best First Novel. Housewright has a second series of 14 titles so far, also set in St. Paul, with another ex-cop named Rushmore McKenzie. His short stories appear in perhaps a dozen anthologies, many of them from the Minnesota Crime Wave, a group of well-known Minnesota crime writers. (What is it about Minnesota that makes so many of its residents think about felonies?)

Holland Taylor is in a rut. He knows it, his friends know it, and his mother reminds him of it repeatedly. He still has no real inclination to do anything about it, so he continues to perform routine background investigations and such to earn a living without giving it much thought. One of the lawyers he and his partner Freddie do a lot of work for pulls him into the defense of Eleanor Barrington, a wealthy socialite matron who is accused of killing her son’s girlfriend. Since there is a credible eyewitness to the shooting, this is going to be an elusive rabbit to pull out of the hat.

Almost immediately a resourceful newspaper reporter learns that the dead girl was not who she said she was. There is no person with that name and that background, and Holland sets out to learn who she really was and what or who she was hiding from. Along the way he learns the Barrington family owns a country estate that is considered desirable property by a firm that supplies sand to the fracking industry. The digging done so far has significantly damaged the surrounding town and the residents are up in arms just as the company seeks to acquire more land by eminent domain to expand their operation. Some of the fracking industry proponents are convinced Holland is in the area to stop it and seek to dissuade his involvement by physical means.

I was happy to see that Holland still has Ogilvy, the French lop-eared rabbit, who roams the apartment freely, chewing on electrical cords. Holland still has a problematic romantic life but a promising candidate appears in this book, a professor from a local university.

I like everything I have ever read by David Housewright. His characters are consistently and realistically sketched, even if I wouldn’t want to actually meet some of them. His writing, pacing, and plotting are compact and economical without giving the impression of terseness or abruptness. Only when the book ended did I realize that I couldn’t think of a single scene or character that didn’t move the story or Holland forward in some way, yet all threads were neatly tied off and nothing was left unaddressed. He is another author that deserves a larger audience.

·                     Hardcover: 288 pages

·                     Publisher: Minotaur Books (January 2, 2018)

·                     Language: English

·                     ISBN-10: 125009447X

·                     ISBN-13: 978-1250094476

Aubrey Hamilton ©2018

Aubrey Hamilton is a former librarian who works on Federal IT projects by day and reads mysteries at night.

Mystery Fanfare: Cinco de Mayo Mysteries, Mexican Crime Fiction, & ...

Mystery Fanfare: Cinco de Mayo Mysteries, Mexican Crime Fiction, & ...: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Read a mystery ! The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, the 5th Of May , commemorates the victory of the Mexican milit...

KRL This Week Update for May 5, 2018

Up in KRL this morning, perfect for Mother's Day reading, a review &
giveaway of "The Mother's Day Mishap" by Kathi Daley, along with some fun
ideas for Mother's Day gifts from Kathleen Costa
http://kingsriverlife.com/05/05/the-mothers-day-mishap-by-kathi-daley/



And a review & giveaway of the first in a brand new food mystery series,
"Expiration Date" by Devon Delaney, along with a fun guest post by Devon
about competition cooking
http://kingsriverlife.com/05/05/expiration-date-by-devon-delaney/



We also have a review & giveaway of "Deal with the Devil" a mystery
anthology by Elaine Viets
http://kingsriverlife.com/05/05/deal-with-the-devil-by-elaine-viets/



And reviews & giveaways of 5 mysteries set in the UK-"London Calling": A
Mirabella Bevan Mystery by Sara Sheridan, "In Prior’s Wood": Max Tudor
series by GM Malliet, "The Marmalade Murders": Penny Brannigan series
by Elizabeth J. Duncan, "The Golden Hour": A Nora Tierney English Mystery by M. K.
Graff, and "Lost Books and Old Bones": A Scottish Bookshop Mystery by Paige
Shelton

http://kingsriverlife.com/05/05/five-mysteries-take-you-to-the-uk/



And a review & giveaway of "Cinco de Murder" by Rebecca Adler

http://kingsriverlife.com/05/05/cinco-de-murder-by-rebecca-adler/



We also have a mystery short story by Chris Eboch, with illustrations
by Drusilla Kehl

http://kingsriverlife.com/05/05/the-kittens-mittens-a-mystery-short-story/



And on KRL News & Reviews a review & giveaway of "Necessary Ends" by Tina
Whittle http://www.krlnews.com/2018/05/necessary-ends-by-tina-whittle.html

Happy Reading,
Lorie

Writer Beware: CONTRACT RED FLAG ALERT: PERPETUAL LICENSE FOR DERIVATIVE RIGHTS

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Lesa's Latest Contest: "Blue" Books Giveaway

This week, I'm giving away "blue" books - Jane K. Cleland's Antique Blues &
Julia Chapman's Date with Malice. Details on my blog at
https://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com. Entries from the U.S. only,
please.


-- 
Lesa Holstine
lesa.holstine@gmail.com

http://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com

Guest Post: Options to Outlining a Mystery (or any genre, for that matter) by C. Hope Clark

It has been almost four years since the last time C. Hope Clark was here with a guest post. Please welcome her back today as she explains that you do have some options regarding outlines. I have always resisted outlining thinking of it as that mandated hideous way of writing crammed down my throat in middle school and regurgitated several times a year through High School and College. Made me think about things a bit differently. Might strike a cord with you as well.

                                                

Options to Outlining a Mystery (or any genre, for that matter)

By C. Hope Clark

            Outlining dredges up a dry academic déjà vu for most. The formality of taking something creative and distilling it into a dry outline would make me hate the project in school. All those roman numerals, letters and numbers dissecting an idea apart.

            However, after publishing eight novels and two nonfiction books, I’ve reached a happy medium with the process, and can even give outlining a much stronger sense of credibility. Part of that acceptance came from the knowledge that forecasting your novel doesn’t necessarily mean all those numbers and letters.

Most writers have heard the argument of pantser versus outlining, but I argue that there are gradients that fall in between. It’s not an either-or choice. A full-blown, freestyle pantser is the opposite of a detailed outliner, each on the opposite ends of a spectrum. We can find all sorts of in-betweens to satisfy the type of novel prepper you are.

Journalistically

Before writing the novel, define what any journalist would for a story: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Make it one liners, paragraphs, or whole pages for each one. . . completely your option. Who are the players? What is their problem? What are their strengths? When did this story take place, and of course, where? Why is there a problem, and why does it matter that it’s solved? And then, how do they do it?

            The answers are the skeleton to your story and can be considered a rough outline. If you despise detailed outlines, you could take these answers and start writing.

           

Linearly

            Some writers, like me, function best linearly, starting from Chapter 1 and writing straight through to Chapter The End. You can outline the whole book from start to finish or write pantser-like the same way. However, for those of us who would rather be beaten than outline, but also don’t want to write ten chapters into a book and lose our way, there is a middle ground.

            That option is to outline three chapters, then stop and write them. Then stop and look around. Learn anything new in the experience? Did a character speak to you and suggest an angle you hadn’t pondered?

            Then outline three more chapters, sit back, and weigh where you are again. How do your characters like the direction? Three roughly outlined chapters might become two or five chapters, and in the writing you have a revelation about a unique direction without being too far committed.

The Juicy Parts First

            You know those parts. The climax. . . the second climax. The sex scene and the murder. The deceptions and the stings. When we find out who did it or learn who didn’t. Some authors write the ending first, then work backwards, needing to visualize what everybody becomes in order to understand how to write where they began.

You might be the type of writer who wants all the big juicy parts written first, laid out, so you can decide how they connect. Write the scenes on index cards and move them around, sorting, to make the story work best, or use a software program like Scrivener with its virtual index cards.

You’ll find as many ways to write a book as there are books to write. And outlines don’t have to be I, II, III and A, B, C. Try each method to see which one makes your adrenaline kick in or your creativity flow. The remarkable part of writing is that there is no right way other than the one that works for you.

C. Hope Clark ©2018

C. Hope Clark’s latest result of her linear outlining is Newberry Sin, her eighth mystery, released April 2018. The fourth in the Carolina Slade Mysteries, Newberry Sin is set in a beautiful South Carolina town, and digs into the secrets of its elder stallwark agrarian residents who appear to have been curiously compromised by a femme fatale to sell off land for fire-sale prices. At the urgings of a fearful lot of wives and a journalist turned DJ, investigator Carolina Slade delves into the mystery only for her curiosity to jeopardize her job, her friendships, her marriage proposal, and ultimately her life. C. Hope Clark’s books are well-loved, and she is a frequent presenter for Writer’s Digest, conferences, libraries, and book clubs. www.chopeclark.com

Michael Pool: 5 timeless hard-boiled detectives that mystery readers love

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Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity: 11 Paying Markets for Pet-Loving Writers

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MysteryPeople: 3 picks for May

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Michael Pool: Regarding the Future of Crime Syndicate Magazine …

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FFB Review: Empty Ever After: A Moe Prager Mystery by Reed Farrell Coleman

Last week while at The University of Texas at Dallas with my youngest son (yes, he is in graduate school, and, no, he does not drive yet –long story) I spent part of my time reading the first issue of Down & Out: the Magazine (yes, I know it has been out quite some time). I was rolling along and then I hit a Moe Prager story by Reed Farrell Coleman. I almost started crying right there in Green Hall (yes, I trigger very easily these days). See, my parents introduced me to the Moe Prager series a very long time ago when I was well and I could walk. They were huge fans until the end. Mom especially. Mom knew he was not real, but she loved the character all the same. I used to kid her that if he lived next door, Dad might get a tad jealous. It could have been really bad if Tom Selleck lived on the other side of this old house. Anyway, my parents were big time fans and they got me hooked with Walking The Perfect Square all those years ago.

Long time readers of this blog know that I first reviewed that book way back here in 2004 when my Mom and maybe three folks in the country actually read my blog. I ran that review again as an FFB Review here back in 2014. I suspect I have done it again other times here, but the search function on blogger is pretty worthless these days.

That brings me to today. For this first Friday in May 2018 I blow the dust off a review that first ran way back in 2008. Empty Ever After is the fifth book in the series and near as I can tell, I never ran the review again after the first time it appeared here on the blog. A decade later seems to be good timing as the past is always a major theme around here. After you check out the review, make sure you head over to Patti’s blog and check out the full list.

  

The past has always been a major theme and driving force of the Moe Prager series by Reed Farrel Coleman. The author is a winner of the Shamus, Barry and Anthony awards and has been nominated for the Edgar, Macavity, and Gumshoe. This latest effort, scheduled to be released in April, continues the first and no doubt will continue the second as this book is powerful, very good, and disturbing all at the same time.

The major secret stayed safe for over twenty years and provided the backbone of a story arc that has traveled the first four novels of the series. The shattering aftermath of the revelation provides the springboard of the current novel as Patrick Maloney won’t stay dead and buried. The Maloney family plot has been desecrated and the bones of his ex brother in law, Patrick Maloney are missing. Moses’ ex-wife Katy is distraught as one would expect and it is left to Sarah, their now grown daughter, to somehow bridge the distant gap between the parents. In so doing, she contacts Moe and before long, Moe is standing at graveside in the year 2000 inspecting the scene for himself.

A former NYPD officer who had to leave the force after a knee injury as well as a rather unorthodox P.I. in the few cases he handled over the years, Moe finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Multiple changes in a relatively short period of time have left him feeling adrift and alone. The desecration of the family plot gives him something to do and a focus for his days. From the beginning, the desecration of the plot which wasn’t just limited to the removal of Patrick’s body, has him thinking long and hard about his past, the people in it, and the secrets he has kept over the years as well as the secrets he has learned of others.

Soon, Moe learns of another grave desecration in Dayton, Ohio this time with links to Patrick and himself. Moe realizes someone is targeting what is left of his family and they are using Katy as a means to get at him. It is working as Katy’s mental state worsens due to repeated shocks to her already fragile system. Seeing her dead brother outside of her home and hearing him on the phone pushes her steadily towards the brink of insanity. Moe desperately seeks to find those of the living responsible and to bury the past once and fore all.

This book is incredibly disturbing and at the same time a very disturbing read. There is a certain depressing relentless series of events that leads to a shocking conclusion that comes at a total surprise to the reader and yet when the book is finished, inevitable and obvious. It is a book that could serve as a fitting ending to a series and yet could mark a huge turning point and a new way forward in a series. One doesn’t know quite how to take this very good book as it could easily go either way.

What is very clear is that this book goes into extensive detailed commentary about past events, past cases, and past relationships that have been covered in earlier books in the series. Much of this book goes into such descriptions of past events with the actual event described as well as all the ramifications of the event. Such detailed examination not only allows Moe to consider his past, secrets, and his responsibility but other themes that have been part of the series.

In so doing, Author Reed Farrel Coleman continues his history of evolving the Moe Prager character. Unlike some main characters that seem to remain relatively static novel after novel, Moe has changed from book to book. While his basic core beliefs have remained the same, his application of them and his view of the world has changed. The result is a living, breathing, humanely flawed major character that continues to evolve as does the series and another very good book.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2008, 2018

Gumshoe Review May 2018

Gumshoe Review May 2018 now Online at


Editorial License:
Just the Facts - May 2018 by Gayle Surrette

Original Fiction:
Murder Knows No Language by David Boop

US Book Reviews:
The Day She Disappeared by Christobel Kent
Death Promise by Jacqueline Seewald
Murder on Union Square (Gaslight) by Victoria Thompson
Only Skein Deep (Knitting Mystery) by Maggie Sefton
Price of Duty (Patrick McLanahan) by Dale Brown
The Purloined Puzzle (Puzzle Lady) by Parnell Hall
Queen Anne's Lace (China Bayles) by Susan Wittig Albert
Shot in the Dark (Coffeehouse Mystery) by Cleo Coyle
The Silent Room by Mari Hannah
The Throne of Caesar (Ancient Rome) by Steven Saylor

-- Gayle Surrette 

Review: The Right Wrong Number: An Ed Earl Burch Novel by Jim Nesbitt

It has been several years since the events of The Last Second Chance: An Ed Earl Burch Novel and private detective Ed Earl Burch still carries those scars and many more. Many of those scars haunt his dreams and daylight memories often inspired by drinking, smoking, or the way a woman’s hair moved on the lady across the bar. Dangerous women were always his downfall and one of those has crawled back into his life.

Her name is Savannah Crowe these days though Ed knew here in every sense possible before she got married. She lives down in Houston and is married to an attorney who does oil and gas partnerships. At least that was what he was supposed to be doing. Apparently he was shady, at best, and now he is dead. No doubt murdered by some guys out of New Orleans who are looking for the money he stole. Savannah wants Ed Earl Burch to come down from Dallas and protect her. Not just from those guys out of New Orleans, as the cops are also pushing hard at her thinking she killed her own husband, and there might be some other players as well.

Sure she can hire the best attorney in Texas, a certain man by the name of Racehorse Haynes, but having the money to do that is not enough. A lot more than she has is missing because he husband stole it. Savannah wants Ed Earl Burch to find her husband---the body left in the flaming wreckage wasn’t positively identifiable--- or the guys who killed him. If he can find either party, the money should also turn up.

Being broke thanks to a downturn in business as the economy improves under President Clinton means Ed Earl Burch is already in a bind before his attorney pushes him hard. His attorney concocted an elaborate evidentiary pyramid to keep his rear end out of prison at the cost of 20k plus and is calling everything due and payable now. He can’t pay so the prison option and far worse things are back on the table. He has other money trouble as well. While Savannah is willing to offer far more than money to Ed Earl Burch for coming down and helping out, all he wants is money with at least half of his fee upfront to stave out the attorney. She’s trouble, but she can pay the bucks and he needs the bucks desperately.

Before long he is down in Houston and all hell is breaking loose. The case will lead him across Texas to a little place just down south of Big Bend in Northern Mexico for a final showdown to settle lots of scores.

The Right Wrong Number: And Ed Earl Burch Novel is a sequel of sorts to The Last Second Chance. Sequel in terms of the characters, grudges held, and memories that haunt the living as more than one character from the first book appears here as the point of view shifts throughout the read. That means it is very important to have read that book first before taking on this read.

Readers should also be aware that, as they were in the first, graphic language and descriptions in terms of sexuality as well as plenty of violence are present in this read. This is a hard hitting and graphic crime fiction read written in a noir style. Therefore, the full range of language is used and a substantial portion of it is graphic in terms of description regarding sexual situations, violent actions, motivations of others, etc. as the read shifts in point of view. Those point of view shifts are very frequent by way of a number of characters throughout the book while maintaining a fast paced and often violent flow of action.

A read that powers along with plenty of action while providing some serious as well as funny social commentary, The Right Wrong Number: An Ed Earl Burch Novel is another mighty good read from author Jim Nesbitt. Both books are highly recommended. The third book in the series is underway according to a recent comment on Facebook by the author.

The Right Wrong Number: An Ed Earl Burch Novel
Jim Nesbitt
https://jimnesbittbooks.com/
Spotted Mule Press
February 2017
ISBN# 978-0998329406
Trade Paperback (also available in eBook format)
306 Pages
$12.99

An ARC was supplied by the author’s publicist, Maryglenn McCombs, a long time ago for my use to read and review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2018

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Review: Mystery Weekly Magazine: March 2018

The issue opens with “Love On The Rocks” by Steve Liskow. The Monday night football game is on so Karin is hoping for good tips.  She is in school so every dime helps which is why she is good at her job and pays attention to all of her customers. Working only three nights a week while classes are in session means she really has to work to make the money. The bar is loud, but she can still hear what some folks are talking about in the bar. She can overhear things that maybe she shouldn’t.

Molly Sullivan isn’t exactly what Barb is asking as “The Woman Who Sat On A House” by John H. Dromey begins. Barb has suspicions about a neighbor and his activities. She is sure that Parker Trent is trouble. Hopefully, Molly listened as she is supposed to house sit for Barb while she is gone for a few days around the Fourth of July.  A murder might complicate things. 

Josh Pachter is up next with “Bill Posters Will Be Prosecuted.” William and Evangeline Posters are in London on a holiday and have been making the museum circuit. She has had enough of the museums and wants to go shopping at Harrods as they had agreed. It is Christmas and they had a deal. It is time to shop at Harrods. That was until things went wrong.

Late October in Los Angeles means a stressed population. Things happen and ambulances are called. Protocols exist for a reason. They are very important when you work out of a trauma center in South Central. The address on Tipton in “Bag Man” by Martin Hill Ortiz is a well-known problem location. But, somebody called and needs help.

Action and adventure await the reader in “Queen And Country” by Robert Mangeot. Ballentine is missing. He had been pursuing some sort of giant spider that was attacking the local cattle. Now the daughter of a local rancher, Amalie, and Doctor Nick Torthwaite, are on the hunt for Ballentine as well as the spider and its lair.

A solar eclipse pretty much stops everyone in their tracks. Nick Kane does not care in “The Lexicon Case” by Michael T. Best. In fact, he needed work so bad he took the hyperloop from Old Vegas to New Shanghai. You don’t do that for three and a half hours for fun. It is the future, but the same issues exist.  Nick has been hired to hunt down the bad guys and intends to do so even if he has to go into Lexicon to do it.

If it was a movie it would be a low budget one and very familiar to a lot of us. Instead, “Low Budget Mystery Story” by Eric Cline gives the reader a written perspective of a guy needing help in the aftermath of a shooting.

Rhonda Howard is back with another “You-Solve-It” crime story. In ‘Mimic To A Crime” Detective Karl Dugan is on the case of the stolen book from the library of the eccentric Dr. Pennington.

The issue concludes with the answer to the February You-solve-it story, “Summer Vacations In Chile” by Tatiana Claudy.

Mystery Weekly Magazine: March 2018 is another enjoyable and solidly good issue. Including the adventure style mystery tale gave this issue a nice sense of mixture alongside the more traditional mystery tales. A couple of surprises are also in store for readers as not everything ends the way one expects. Entertaining and fun, it is well worth your time.

Mystery Weekly Magazine: March 2018

http://www.mysteryweekly.com
February 26, 2018

ASIN: B07B3YCDZN

eBook (also available in print)

112 Pages

$2.99

For quite some time now I have been gifted a subscription by the publisher with no expectation at all of a review. I now read and review each issue as I can. To date, I have never submitted anything to this market and will not do so as long as I review the publication.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2018

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Review: Debt Crusher: A Novella by Michael Pool

Cam Reynolds has a simple job. Collect the money owed to his boss, Tommy, Jr. He is the son of the legendary and now deceased mob boss, Tom Colcetti. The kid may not value him as much as his father did, but the kid is keeping the family business going and Cam still has a job. Though it is not the job he wants as he feels that he should have moved up by now. Junior has also made some changes that Cam does not approve of and it looks like he won’t be moving upwards anytime soon. At forty two years old he should be doing better than still having to go after guys to collect debts.

It is the job Cam has and he is very good at it. Cam has a reputation for violently collecting monies owed hence his nickname of “Crusher.” He has such a reputation that he rarely has to get physical these days which are a good thing as the years are beginning to take a toll. The latest dead beat who owes is a guy by the name of Gomez.  The man owes 10K and tried to run after getting a wakeup call from Cam who happened to be sitting outside the guy’s place when he made the call. After trying to run and being caught, some trunk therapy followed by quiet contemplation of his circumstances should assist Gomez with his motivation to pay up.

Unfortunately, things go wrong and years of loyal service mean nothing. Gomez was connected and Cam got the order to lay off after he had already started trunk therapy. Crusher screwed up and now he is a dead man on the run. At least he thinks he has a sexually willing travel companion in the mysterious woman he met in a Seattle area bar who is willing to help him get out of town in exchange for a fee.

Author Michael Pool quickly pulls the reader into a classic noir style set up where the antihero is on the run because things finally went wrong. One little thing starts the collapsing domino chain and things escalate rapidly in the wrong direction. Unlike his short story collection that I reviewed back in January, New Alleys For Nothing Men: Crime and Noir Stories, where some characters are a bit more introspective, Debt Crusher is pretty much a straightforward violent crime fiction novella. In some of those stories, the violence is chained up and it takes time to be released. In this novella, the violence is a major character and barely under control from the first page. Debt Crusher quickly becomes one violent confrontation after another as Cam does what it takes to not only honor his nickname, but to stay alive. If you prefer animals in your stories, a read clean of graphic language, and the violence to be off the page, this is most definitely not the read for you.

Debt Crusher: A Novella

Michael Pool

http://www.michaelpool.net

All Due Respect Books (Imprint of Down & Out Books)

http://www.allduerespectbooks.com

February 2018

ASIN#: B079R7ZJGN

eBook (also available in paperback format)

117 Pages

$4.99

Copy provide by the author for my use to read and review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2018